April Ful's Night

April Ful's Night was an outdoor communal meal and conversation centered on Egypt’s 2011 revolution, and the subsequent uprisings throughout the Middle East. Over roasted goat and fava bean ful (Egypt's national dish, pronounced "fool"), we conversed about the emotional impact and political relevance of the spirit of liberation that has ignited imaginations around the world.

The event was organized for the Oakland Standard by the Citizens Laboratory, a platform for artists to engage with civic and urban issues. The group is connected with OPENrestaurant, a collaborative of chefs and artists who explore issues related to the production, distribution, and consumption of food.

In addition to a meal prepared in an open-air kitchen with an all-volunteer crew of Chez Panisse chefs and helpers, the evening included music and spoken word, a selection of documentary and artist videos in the Gallery of California Art, handmade banners and signs, a live Skype link to Cairo, and time for guests to speak to their own experience.

Performances
The program MC was Mina Girgis from the Zambaleta World Music School. Live music by Tim Fuson, Moh Alileche, and the Dunes. Discussion with Mokhtar Alkhanshali, Omar Dajani, Omar Kelani, Fred Lawson, Abdalla Nassar, Deana Nassar, Dr. Aftim Saba, Omar Shakir, and Dr. Adnan Shennib. Spoken word by Zienab Abdelgany and artists from UC Berkeley's Muslim Student Association and Students for Justice in Palestine.

Artworks

On view in the Museum gardens: Nada Shalaby's performance piece, Fol with Yasmeen: An Approximation, and Taha Belal's video projection of the sun rising in Egypt as it was setting in California.

On view in the Museum's Gallery of California Art: a video program of work by contemporary artists from Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, and Iran.